Hall of Fame Professional Boxing Referee. During his five-decade career he officiated in over 100 world championship title fights. Raised in Brooklyn, he began his lengthy association in the sport of boxing during the late 1930s, when he fought in the New York Golden Gloves. A versatile athlete, he participated in swimming and football while attending New York University. As he served in the United States Navy during World War II, he refereed matches and continued to do this in amateur bouts following his discharge. Mercante's first high-profile professional fight was in 1960, when Floyd Patterson recaptured the Heavyweight crown by defeating Ingemar Johansson. Among his other notable bouts were "The Fight of the Century" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971, and George Foreman versus Joe Frazier in 1973. In addition, he was the third man in the ring during contests which included boxing greats Sugar Ray Robinson, Dick Tiger, Roberto Duran and Mike Tyson, among many others. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. His son Arthur Mercante, Jr. became a renowned professional boxing referee.
Hall of Fame Professional Boxing Referee. During his five-decade career he officiated in over 100 world championship title fights. Raised in Brooklyn, he began his lengthy association in the sport of boxing during the late 1930s, when he fought in the New York Golden Gloves. A versatile athlete, he participated in swimming and football while attending New York University. As he served in the United States Navy during World War II, he refereed matches and continued to do this in amateur bouts following his discharge. Mercante's first high-profile professional fight was in 1960, when Floyd Patterson recaptured the Heavyweight crown by defeating Ingemar Johansson. Among his other notable bouts were "The Fight of the Century" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971, and George Foreman versus Joe Frazier in 1973. In addition, he was the third man in the ring during contests which included boxing greats Sugar Ray Robinson, Dick Tiger, Roberto Duran and Mike Tyson, among many others. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. His son Arthur Mercante, Jr. became a renowned professional boxing referee.
Bio by: C.S.
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